Method and Apparatus for Automatic Engagement of Arc Reduction Technology

ABSTRACT

An automatic actuator assembly including a passive actuator assembly and a detection assembly is operatively coupled to an arc reduction assembly. The passive actuator assembly is coupled to the arc reduction assembly and structured to move the arc reduction assembly between a disengaged, first configuration and an engaged, second configuration.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Field of the Invention

The disclosed and claimed concept relates to electric systems and, morespecifically, to an electric system including a housing assembly thatencloses an electrical component and an arc reduction assembly whereinthe arc reduction assembly is passively actuated.

Background Information

Electrical systems include electrical components, such as, but notlimited to, low voltage switchboards and motor control centers. Theelectrical components are often disposed in an enclosure or housingassembly. Arc reduction technology, identified herein as an arcreduction assembly, is required to be installed within the enclosureswhen the equipment supplies power over 1000 Amps. The electricalcomponents require maintenance on a regular basis. The arc reductionassembly is structured to protect a user and the equipment duringmaintenance as well as other times. The use of the arc reductionassembly, however, is dependent upon the user actuating the arcreduction assembly. That is, the user must manually actuate a switch,dial or other actuator to enable the arc reduction assembly. The userdoes not always enable the arc reduction assembly and thereby exposesthe user and the equipment to potential damage. The failure to have thearc reduction technology enabled during maintenance operations and othertimes is a problem.

There is, therefore, a need for an automatic actuator assembly for anarc reduction assembly that actuates the arc reduction assembly when auser is near the electrical system housing assembly and/or when a useraccesses the electrical system housing assembly. There is a further needfor an automatic actuator assembly that operates passively, i.e.,without input from the user.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

These needs, and others, are met by at least one embodiment of thedisclosed and claimed concept which provides an automatic actuatorassembly including a passive actuator assembly and a detection assembly.The passive actuator assembly is coupled to the arc reduction assemblyand structured to move the arc reduction assembly between a disengaged,first configuration and an engaged, second configuration. The passiveactuator assembly is further structured to receive and react to aproximity communication, wherein, when the proximity communication isnot present, the actuator assembly configures the arc reduction assemblyin the disengaged, first configuration, and when the proximitycommunication is present, the actuator assembly configures the arcreduction assembly in the engaged, second configuration. The detectionassembly is structured to detect at least one of the presence of a useradjacent a housing assembly or movement of a housing assembly door. Thedetection assembly is further structured to provide a proximitycommunication to the passive actuator assembly.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A full understanding of the invention can be gained from the followingdescription of the preferred embodiments when read in conjunction withthe accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is an isometric view of an electrical component system.

FIG. 2 is a front view of an electrical component system.

FIG. 3 is a side and partially cross-sectional view of an electricalcomponent system.

FIG. 3A is a detail side view of a contact sensor.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

It will be appreciated that the specific elements illustrated in thefigures herein and described in the following specification are simplyexemplary embodiments of the disclosed concept, which are provided asnon-limiting examples solely for the purpose of illustration. Therefore,specific dimensions, orientations, assembly, number of components used,embodiment configurations and other physical characteristics related tothe embodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered limiting onthe scope of the disclosed concept.

Directional phrases used herein, such as, for example, clockwise,counterclockwise, left, right, top, bottom, upwards, downwards andderivatives thereof, relate to the orientation of the elements shown inthe drawings and are not limiting upon the claims unless expresslyrecited therein.

As used herein, the singular form of “a,” “an,” and “the” include pluralreferences unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

As used herein, “structured to [verb]” means that the identified elementor assembly has a structure that is shaped, sized, disposed, coupledand/or configured to perform the identified verb. For example, a memberthat is “structured to move” is movably coupled to another element andincludes elements that cause the member to move or the member isotherwise configured to move in response to other elements orassemblies. As such, as used herein, “structured to [verb]” recitesstructure and not function. Further, as used herein, “structured to[verb]” means that the identified element or assembly is intended to,and is designed to, perform the identified verb. Thus, an element thatis merely capable of performing the identified verb but which is notintended to, and is not designed to, perform the identified verb is not“structured to [verb].”

As used herein, “associated” means that the elements are part of thesame assembly and/or operate together, or, act upon/with each other insome manner. For example, an automobile has four tires and four hubcaps. While all the elements are coupled as part of the automobile, itis understood that each hubcap is “associated” with a specific tire.

As used herein, a “coupling assembly” includes two or more couplings orcoupling components. The components of a coupling or coupling assemblyare generally not part of the same element or other component. As such,the components of a “coupling assembly” may not be described at the sametime in the following description.

As used herein, a “coupling” or “coupling component(s)” is one or morecomponent(s) of a coupling assembly. That is, a coupling assemblyincludes at least two components that are structured to be coupledtogether. It is understood that the components of a coupling assemblyare compatible with each other. For example, in a coupling assembly, ifone coupling component is a snap socket, the other coupling component isa snap plug, or, if one coupling component is a bolt, then the othercoupling component is a nut.

As used herein, a “fastener” is a separate component structured tocouple two or more elements. Thus, for example, a bolt is a “fastener”but a tongue-and-groove coupling is not a “fastener.” That is, thetongue-and-groove elements are part of the elements being coupled andare not a separate component.

As used herein, the statement that two or more parts or components are“coupled” shall mean that the parts are joined or operate togethereither directly or indirectly, i.e., through one or more intermediateparts or components, so long as a link occurs. As used herein, “directlycoupled” means that two elements are directly in contact with eachother.

As used herein, “fixedly coupled” or “fixed” means that two componentsare coupled so as to move as one while maintaining a constantorientation relative to each other. Accordingly, when two elements arecoupled, all portions of those elements are coupled. A description,however, of a specific portion of a first element being coupled to asecond element, e.g., an axle first end being coupled to a first wheel,means that the specific portion of the first element is disposed closerto the second element than the other portions thereof. Further, anobject resting on another object held in place only by gravity is not“coupled” to the lower object unless the upper object is otherwisemaintained substantially in place. That is, for example, a book on atable is not coupled thereto, but a book glued to a table is coupledthereto.

As used herein, the phrase “removably coupled” or “temporarily coupled”means that one component is coupled with another component in anessentially temporary manner. That is, the two components are coupled insuch a way that the joining or separation of the components is easy andwould not damage the components. For example, two components secured toeach other with a limited number of readily accessible fasteners, i.e.,fasteners that are not difficult to access, are “removably coupled”whereas two components that are welded together or joined by difficultto access fasteners are not “removably coupled.” A “difficult to accessfastener” is one that requires the removal of one or more othercomponents prior to accessing the fastener wherein the “other component”is not an access device such as, but not limited to, a door.

As used herein, “operatively coupled” means that a number of elements orassemblies, each of which is movable between a first position and asecond position, or a first configuration and a second configuration,are coupled so that as the first element moves from oneposition/configuration to the other, the second element moves betweenpositions/configurations as well. It is noted that a first element maybe “operatively coupled” to another without the opposite being true.

As used herein, “temporarily disposed” means that a first elements) orassembly (ies) is resting on a second element(s) or assembly(ies) in amanner that allows the first element/assembly to be moved without havingto decouple or otherwise manipulate the first element. For example, abook simply resting on a table, i.e., the book is not glued or fastenedto the table, is “temporarily disposed” on the table.

As used herein, “correspond” indicates that two structural componentsare sized and shaped to be similar to each other and may be coupled witha minimum amount of friction. Thus, an opening which “corresponds” to amember is sized slightly larger than the member so that the member maypass through the opening with a minimum amount of friction. Thisdefinition is modified if the two components are to fit “snugly”together. In that situation, the difference between the size of thecomponents is even smaller whereby the amount of friction increases. Ifthe element defining the opening and/or the component inserted into theopening are made from a deformable or compressible material, the openingmay even be slightly smaller than the component being inserted into theopening.

With regard to surfaces, shapes, and lines, two, or more,“corresponding” surfaces, shapes, or lines have generally the same size,shape, and contours.

As used herein, a “path of travel” or “path,” when used in associationwith an element that moves, includes the space an element moves throughwhen in motion. As such, any element that moves inherently has a “pathof travel” or “path.” Further, a “path of travel” or “path” relates to amotion of one identifiable construct as a whole relative to anotherobject. For example, assuming a perfectly smooth road, a rotating wheel(an identifiable construct) on an automobile generally does not moverelative to the body (another object) of the automobile. That is, thewheel, as a whole, does not change its position relative to, forexample, the adjacent fender. Thus, a rotating wheel does not have a“path of travel” or “path” relative to the body of the automobile.Conversely, the air inlet valve on that wheel (an identifiableconstruct) does have a “path of travel” or “path” relative to the bodyof the automobile. That is, while the wheel rotates and is in motion,the air inlet valve as a whole, moves relative to the body of theautomobile.

As used herein, the statement that two or more parts or components“engage” one another means that the elements exert a force or biasagainst one another either directly or through one or more intermediateelements or components. Further, as used herein with regard to movingparts, a moving part may “engage” another element during the motion fromone position to another and/or may “engage” another element once in thedescribed position. Thus, it is understood that the statements, “whenelement A moves to element A first position, element A engages elementB,” and “when element A is in element A first position, element Aengages element B” are equivalent statements and mean that element Aeither engages element B while moving to element A first position and/orelement A either engages element B while in element A first position.

As used herein, “operatively engage” means “engage and move.” That is,“operatively engage” when used in relation to a first component that isstructured to move a movable or rotatable second component means thatthe first component applies a force sufficient to cause the secondcomponent to move. For example, a screwdriver may be placed into contactwith a screw. When no force is applied to the screwdriver, thescrewdriver is merely “coupled” to the screw. If an axial force isapplied to the screwdriver, the screwdriver is pressed against the screwand “engages” the screw. However, when a rotational force is applied tothe screwdriver, the screwdriver “operatively engages” the screw andcauses the screw to rotate. Further, with electronic components,“operatively engage” means that one component controls another componentby a control signal or current.

As used herein, the word “unitary” means a component that is created asa single piece or unit. That is, a component that includes pieces thatare created separately and then coupled together as a unit is not a“unitary” component or body.

As used herein, the term “number” shall mean one or an integer greaterthan one (i.e., a plurality). For example, the phrase “a number of [x]”means one or more of “[x].” As used herein, in the phrase “[x] movesbetween its first position and second position,” or, “[y] is structuredto move [x] between its first position and second position,” “[x]” isthe name of an element or assembly. Further, when [x] is an element orassembly that moves between a number of positions, the pronoun “its”means “[x],” i.e., the named element or assembly that precedes thepronoun “its.”

As used herein, “about” in a phrase such as “disposed about [an element,point or axis]” or “extend about [an element, point or axis]” or “[X]degrees about an [an element, point or axis],” means encircle, extendaround, or measured around. When used in reference to a measurement orin a similar manner, “about” means “approximately,” i.e., in anapproximate range relevant to the measurement as would be understood byone of ordinary skill in the art.

As used herein, a “radial side/surface” for a circular or cylindricalbody is a side/surface that extends about, or encircles, the centerthereof or a height line passing through the center thereof. As usedherein, an “axial side/surface” for a circular or cylindrical body is aside that extends in a plane extending generally perpendicular to aheight line passing through the center. That is, generally, for acylindrical soup can, the “radial side/surface” is the generallycircular sidewall and the “axial side(s)/surface(s)” are the top andbottom of the soup can.

As used herein, a “user” is a person or construct such as, but notlimited to a robot, who interacts with an electrical component system.

As used herein, “generally curvilinear” includes elements havingmultiple curved portions, combinations of curved portions and planarportions, and a plurality of planar portions or segments disposed atangles relative to each other thereby forming a curve.

As used herein, “generally” means “in a general manner” relevant to theterm being modified as would be understood by one of ordinary skill inthe art.

As used herein, “substantially” means “for the most part” relevant tothe term being modified as would be understood by one of ordinary skillin the art.

As used herein, “at” means on and/or near relevant to the term beingmodified as would be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art.

As shown in FIGS. 1-3, an electrical component system 10 includes anelectrical component 12, a housing assembly 14, an arc reductionassembly 16, and an automatic actuator assembly 18. The electricalcomponent 12, shown schematically, is coupled to, and in electricalcommunication with, a line and a load (neither shown.) The electricalcomponent 12 is further structured to provide a power to externalconstructs such as, but not limited to, the arc reduction assembly 16.The housing assembly 14 includes a number of sidewalls (not shown) thatdefine a substantially enclosed space 22. That is, as shown in thefigures, only a frame assembly 20 of the housing assembly 14 is visible.It is understood that the housing assembly 14 also includes sidewallsthat are coupled, directly coupled, or fixed to the frame assembly 20.The housing assembly 14 also includes a number of doors 24. As usedherein a “door” means pivoting and sliding elements that allow access toa generally or substantially enclosed space. Further, as used herein, a“door” inherently moves between two positions; a closed, first positionwherein the door blocks access to the enclosed space, and an open,second position wherein the door allows access to the enclosed space. Asshown, the housing assembly 14 includes a single door 24; it isunderstood that this is an exemplary embodiment and the claimed conceptis not limited to a housing assembly 14 with a single door 24.

The arc reduction assembly 16 is structured to reduce the likelihood ofan electrical arc within the electrical component system housingassembly 14. In an exemplary embodiment, the arc reduction assembly 16is structured to be in one of, and to move between, a disengaged, firstconfiguration and an engaged, second configuration. That is, in theengaged, second configuration, the arc reduction assembly 16 isstructured to reduce the likelihood of an electrical arc within theelectrical component system housing assembly 14. When the arc reductionassembly 16 is in the disengaged, first configuration the arc reductionassembly 16 is inactive. In an exemplary embodiment, the arc reductionassembly 16 is coupled to, and in electrical communication with, theelectrical component 12. That is, the arc reduction assembly 16 ispowered by energy from the electrical component 12.

In an exemplary embodiment, the arc reduction assembly 16 is amaintenance mode circuit breaker 30. The maintenance mode circuitbreaker 30 includes an operating mechanism, a movable contact, and astationary contact (none shown). The movable contact is structured to,and does, move between an open, first position, wherein the movablecontact is spaced from, and not in electrical communication with, thestationary contact, and, a closed, second position, wherein the movablecontact is directly coupled to, and in electrical communication with,the stationary contact. The operating mechanism is structured to, anddoes, move the movable contact between the two positions. The operatingmechanism is actuated by one of a mechanical input or an electricalinput.

During normal operation of the electrical component 12, the arcreduction assembly 16 is in the disengaged, first configuration. Thatis, when the arc reduction assembly 16 is a maintenance mode circuitbreaker 30, the movable contact is in the first position and themaintenance mode circuit breaker 30 is inactive. When a user is near theelectrical component 12, as discussed below, the maintenance modecircuit breaker 30 is activated; that is, the movable contact is in thesecond position.

The automatic actuator assembly 18 includes a passive actuator assembly50, shown schematically. In an exemplary embodiment, the automaticactuator assembly 18 also includes a detection assembly 60. The passiveactuator assembly 50 and the detection assembly 60 are, in oneembodiment, coupled to each other and, in another embodiment, are incommunication with each other. That is, the passive actuator assembly 50and the detection assembly 60 are either physically coupled to eachother, or, are not physically coupled to each other but are incommunication. As used herein, the “passive actuator assembly” 50 of theautomatic actuator assembly 18 are those elements that are directly andoperatively coupled to the arc reduction assembly 16, which cause thearc reduction assembly 16 to move between the first configuration or thesecond configuration and which are not part of the common elements ofthe arc reduction assembly 16. That is, in an exemplary embodimentwherein the arc reduction assembly 16 is a maintenance mode circuitbreaker 30, the maintenance mode circuit breaker 30 includes commonelements such as, but not limited to, an operating mechanism, a movablecontact, and a stationary contact (none shown). Thus, these elements arenot part of the “passive actuator assembly” 50. The “passive actuatorassembly” 50, however, is structured to be, and is, operatively coupledto elements of the arc reduction assembly 16. Thus, for example, the“passive actuator assembly” 50 is, in an exemplary embodiment, amechanical element/assembly that is operatively coupled to the operatingmechanism of the maintenance mode circuit breaker 30. In an exemplaryembodiment wherein the arc reduction assembly 16 is electricallyactuated, the “actuator assembly” 50 is an electrical assembly that isoperatively coupled to the electrical actuation of the arc reductionassembly 16. Further, the “passive actuator assembly” 50 means that theactuator assembly is not manually operated by a user. That is, as usedherein, a “passive actuator assembly” 50 actuates the arc reductionassembly 16 without the user performing any action to specificallyactuate the arc reduction assembly 16. It is understood that the passiveactuator assembly 50, whether mechanical or electrical, is, in anexemplary embodiment, disposed in a housing for the arc reductionassembly 16, and in this example, within the housing for the maintenancemode circuit breaker 30. Thus, the schematic representation of thepassive actuator assembly 50 in the figures is for the purpose ofvisualization.

The passive actuator assembly 50, in an exemplary embodiment, isoperatively coupled to the arc reduction assembly 16 and is structuredto configure the arc reduction assembly 16 in one of the firstconfiguration or the second configuration. The passive actuator assembly50 is further structured to receive, and react to, a “proximitycommunication” 52, shown schematically as an element. As used herein, a“proximity communication” 52 is a mechanical or electrical constructthat is detectable by the automatic actuator assembly 18. That is, asdiscussed below, the proximity communication 52 is, in one embodiment, a“mechanical construct” which, as used herein, means a combination of aphysical element and the position or movement of that element. Inanother embodiment, the proximity communication 52 is an “electricalconstruct” which, as used herein, means a signal that is a detectablephysical quantity or impulse, such as, but not limited to, a voltage,current, or magnetic field strength by which information is transmitted.The “electrical construct” in one embodiment carries data and, inanother embodiment, the presence, or lack thereof, of the signal is the“electrical construct.” In an exemplary embodiment, when the proximitycommunication 52 is not present, the passive actuator assembly 50configures the arc reduction assembly 16 in the disengaged, firstconfiguration, and, when the proximity communication 52 is present, thepassive actuator assembly 50 configures the arc reduction assembly 16 inthe engaged, second configuration. That is, the passive actuatorassembly 50 is structured to, and does, move between a firstconfiguration and a second configuration corresponding to theconfiguration of the arc reduction assembly 16.

Before discussing the passive actuator assembly 50 further, thedetection assembly 60 is discussed so as to provide examples ofdifferent types of proximity communications 52. In one embodiment, thedetection assembly 60 includes an electronic sensor assembly 62. Thesensor assembly 62 is structured to, and does, detect a user adjacentthe housing assembly 14. In an exemplary embodiment, the sensor assembly62 is one, or more, of an induction proximity sensor 70, a pressuresensor 72, a sonic sensor 74, an optical sensor 76, all shownschematically in FIG. 2, or a contact sensor 78 shown in FIG. 3A. It isunderstood that the sensor assembly 62 is configured so as to detect auser adjacent the housing assembly 14 or when a housing assembly door 24is opened/closed. That is, for example, a pressure sensor 72 wouldinclude pressure sensitive pads 73 disposed about the housing assembly14 whereas an optical sensor 76 would include cameras, or similardevices, positioned outside the housing assembly 14 and be structured todetect a user near the housing assembly 14.

As noted above, the sensor assembly 62 is further structured to, anddoes, provide a proximity communication to the passive actuator assembly50. In an exemplary embodiment with a sensor assembly 62, the proximitycommunication is, an electronic signal. Thus, when the sensor assembly62 provides an electronic signal as a proximity communication, thepassive actuator assembly 50 and the sensor assembly 62 are inelectronic communication with each other. That is, the passive actuatorassembly 50 is in electronic communication with the sensor assembly 62and is structured to, and does, receive a proximity communication signal52′ therefrom. The sensor assembly 62 is structured to provide theproximity communication signal 52′ upon detecting a user adjacent thehousing assembly 14. The automatic actuator assembly 18 and the sensorassembly 62 are, in one embodiment, coupled by a signal wire (notshown). In another embodiment, the automatic actuator assembly 18 andthe sensor assembly 62 are coupled by a wireless communication assembly(not shown).

In this embodiment, the passive actuator assembly 50 is a communicationcircuit 80, shown schematically. It is understood that in thisembodiment, the arc reduction assembly 16 includes an electric controldevice structured to move the arc reduction assembly 16 between thefirst and second configuration. For example, in one embodiment the arcreduction assembly 16 is a maintenance mode circuit breaker 30 includingan electronic control device (not shown). The electronic control deviceof the maintenance mode circuit breaker 30 is structured to cause anoperating mechanism to actuate thereby separating, or coupling, amovable contact from/to a stationary contact. The communication circuit80 is structured to, and does, receive a proximity communication signal52′ from the sensor assembly 62. The communication circuit 80 is furtherstructured to, and does, actuate the electronic control device of themaintenance mode circuit breaker 30 in this example. Thus, thecommunication circuit 80 is structured to be in a first configuration,wherein no proximity communication signal 52′ is present, or, a secondconfiguration, wherein a proximity communication signal 52′ is present.As noted above, when the communication circuit 80, i.e., the passiveactuator assembly 50, is in the first configuration, the arc reductionassembly 16 is in the disengaged, first configuration and, when thecommunication circuit 80, i.e., the passive actuator assembly 50, is inthe second configuration, the arc reduction assembly 16 is in theengaged, second configuration.

Thus, in this exemplary embodiment, a user approaches an electricalcomponent system 10 to perform maintenance. As the user approaches theelectrical component system 10, the sensor assembly 62 detects thepresence of the user. For example, the user steps on a pressuresensitive pad 73 disposed in front of the housing assembly 14. Inresponse to detecting the weight of the user, the sensor assembly 62sends a proximity communication signal 52′ to the passive actuatorassembly 50. The passive actuator assembly 50, in turn, actuates the arcreduction assembly 16. That is, in the exemplary embodiment describedabove, the electronic control unit of a maintenance mode circuit breaker30 causes the operating mechanism to move the movable contact from afirst, spaced position relative to a stationary contact, to a secondposition, wherein the movable contact is coupled to, and in electricalcommunication with, the stationary contact. That is, the arc reductionassembly 16 moves from a disengaged, first configuration to an engaged,second configuration. Moreover, the arc reduction assembly 16 isactuated with no intentional action from the user to actuate the arcreduction assembly 16. That is, as used herein, approaching anelectrical component system 10 is not an intentional action from theuser to actuate the arc reduction assembly 16. Thus, the arc reductionassembly 16 is actuated automatically solving the problems noted above.

In another exemplary embodiment, as shown, the sensor assembly 62includes a contact sensor 78 to which a housing assembly door 24 isoperatively coupled. That is, the contact sensor 78, in this embodiment,includes a movable member 79. The contact sensor movable member 79, asshown, is a button 71. The contact sensor movable member 79 isoperatively coupled to a switch (not shown). The contact sensor movablemember 79 is structured to, and does, move between a first position anda second position that corresponds to the position of the associatedhousing assembly door 24. Further, when the contact sensor movablemember 79 is in the first position, the contact sensor switch is in anopen, first configuration. When the housing assembly door 24 moves toits open, second position, the contact sensor movable member 79 is movedto its corresponding second position. The contact sensor movable member79, in turn, moves the contact sensor switch to a closed, secondposition. When the contact sensor switch is in a closed, secondposition, the contact sensor 78 generates a proximity communicationsignal 52′. The proximity communication signal 52′ is communicated tothe passive actuator assembly 50, such as the communication circuit 80as described above. That is, the contact sensor 78 is structured to, anddoes, provide a proximity communication signal 52′ to the passiveactuator assembly 50. The passive actuator assembly 50 is structured to,and does, actuate the arc reduction assembly 16 when the proximitycommunication signal 52′ is received, as described above.

In another exemplary embodiment, the detection assembly 60 includes amechanical interface assembly 90 and the passive actuator assembly 50includes a mechanical interface member 92 (both shown schematically inFIG. 1). The mechanical interface assembly 60 is operatively coupled toan associated housing assembly door 24. That is, as used herein, to be“operatively coupled to an associated housing assembly door” means thatwhen the housing assembly door 24 moves between the first and secondpositions, the construct “operatively coupled to an associated housingassembly door” moves to a corresponding configuration/position. Thus,the mechanical interface assembly 90 moves between a firstconfiguration/position and a second configuration/position thatcorresponds to the housing assembly door 24 position.

In an exemplary embodiment, the mechanical interface assembly 90 alsoincludes a door interface member 94 and a linkage assembly 96. A housingassembly door 24 is operatively coupled to the door interface member 94.Thus, similar to the contact sensor movable member 79 described above,the door interface member 94 is structured to, and does, move between afirst position and a second position that corresponds to the position ofthe associated housing assembly door 24. The door interface member 94 isrepresented in FIG. 3A as the button 71. In an exemplary embodiment, themechanical interface assembly 90 also includes a biasing device 98, suchas, but not limited to, a spring 99. The biasing device 98 isoperatively coupled to the door interface member 94 and biases the doorinterface member 94 to the second position.

Further, the door interface member 94 is operatively coupled, e.g., vialinkage assembly 96, to the mechanical interface member 92. Thus, themechanical interface member 92 is also structured to, and does, movebetween a first position and a second position that corresponds to theposition of the associated housing assembly door 24. The mechanicalinterface member 92 is further operatively coupled to the arc reductionassembly 16. That is, in an exemplary embodiment where the arc reductionassembly 16 is a maintenance mode circuit breaker 30 with an operatingmechanism, the mechanical interface member 92 is operatively coupled tothe operating mechanism of the maintenance mode circuit breaker 30. Thatis, the mechanical interface member 92 provides a proximitycommunication 52 in the form of a “mechanical construct” as definedabove. That is, in this embodiment the proximity communication 52 is a“mechanical proximity communication” 52″. As used herein, a “mechanicalproximity communication” 52″ means a proximity communication 52 that isa mechanical construct.

Thus, in this embodiment, the mechanical interface assembly 90 isdisposed adjacent, or immediately adjacent, a housing assembly door 24.When the housing assembly door 24 is in the closed, first position, thedoor interface member 94 and the mechanical interface member 92 are intheir corresponding first positions. When the housing assembly door 24is opened, the bias from the biasing device 98 causes the door interfacemember 94 to move to the second position. This, in turn, causes themechanical interface member 92 to move into its second position. Themovement of the door interface member 94 is the proximity communication52 to the mechanical interface member 92, i.e., the passive actuatorassembly 50. Stated alternately, the passive actuator assembly 50 is inmechanical communication with the detection assembly 60 and isstructured to, and does, receive a mechanical proximity communication 52therefrom, and, when the mechanical interface assembly 90 is in thesecond configuration, the mechanical interface assembly 90 provides themechanical proximity communication 52. Thus, the mechanical interfaceassembly 90 and the mechanical interface member 92 are operativelycoupled to the arc reduction assembly 16.

While specific embodiments of the invention have been described indetail, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that variousmodifications and alternatives to those details could be developed inlight of the overall teachings of the disclosure. Accordingly, theparticular arrangements disclosed are meant to be illustrative only andnot limiting as to the scope of invention which is to be given the fullbreadth of the claims appended and any and all equivalents thereof.

1. An automatic actuator assembly for an arc reduction assembly in anelectrical component system, said electrical component system includinga housing assembly with a number of doors, an arc reduction assembly andan electrical component, said electrical component structured to providea power to external constructs, said arc reduction assembly structuredto reduce the likelihood of an electrical arc within the electricalcomponent system housing assembly, said arc reduction assemblystructured to be in one of, and to move between, a disengaged, firstconfiguration and an engaged, second configuration, said automaticactuator assembly comprising: a passive actuator assembly coupled tosaid arc reduction assembly and structured to configure said arcreduction assembly in one of the said first configuration or said secondconfiguration; said passive actuator assembly further structured toreceive and react to a proximity communication, wherein, when saidproximity communication is not present, said passive actuator assemblyconfigures said arc reduction assembly in said disengaged, firstconfiguration, and wherein, when said proximity communication ispresent, said passive actuator assembly configures said arc reductionassembly in said engaged, second configuration; a detection assembly,said detection assembly structured to detect at least one of thepresence of a user adjacent said housing assembly or movement of thehousing assembly door; and said detection assembly further structured toprovide a proximity communication to said passive actuator assembly. 2.The automatic actuator assembly of claim 1 wherein: said detectionassembly includes an electronic sensor assembly; said sensor assemblystructured to detect a user adjacent said housing assembly; and saidsensor assembly structured to provide a proximity communication to saidpassive actuator assembly.
 3. The automatic actuator assembly of claim 2wherein: said passive actuator assembly is in electronic communicationwith said sensor assembly and is structured to receive a proximitycommunication signal; and wherein said sensor assembly is structured toprovide a proximity communication signal upon detecting a user adjacentsaid housing assembly.
 4. The automatic actuator assembly of claim 3wherein: said passive actuator assembly is in electronic communicationwith said detection assembly and is structured to receive a proximitycommunication signal; said sensor assembly includes a contact sensor;said contact sensor includes a movable member structured to move betweena first position and a second position that corresponds to the positionof the associated housing assembly door; and said detection assembly isstructured to provide a proximity communication signal when said contactsensor movable member is in said second position.
 5. The automaticactuator assembly of claim 3 wherein said sensor assembly is one of aninduction proximity sensor, a pressure sensor, a sonic sensor, or anoptical sensor.
 6. The automatic actuator assembly of claim 1 wherein:said detection assembly includes a mechanical interface assembly; saidmechanical interface assembly operatively coupled to an associatedhousing assembly door; said mechanical interface assembly structured tomove between a first configuration and a second configuration, whereinsaid mechanical interface assembly is in said first configuration whensaid associated housing assembly door is in a closed, first position,and wherein said mechanical interface assembly is in said secondconfiguration when said associated housing assembly door is in an open,second position.
 7. The automatic actuator assembly of claim 6 wherein:said mechanical interface assembly includes a door interface member anda linkage assembly; said passive actuator assembly includes a mechanicalinterface member; said door interface member operatively coupled to theassociated housing assembly door and structured to move between a firstposition and a second position that corresponds to the position of saidassociated housing assembly door; said door interface member operativelycoupled to said linkage assembly; said linkage assembly operativelycoupled to said mechanical interface member; said mechanical interfacemember structured to move between a first position and a second positioncorresponding to the position of said associated housing assembly door;and wherein said mechanical interface member is operatively coupled tosaid arc reduction assembly.
 8. The automatic actuator assembly of claim7 wherein said mechanical interface assembly is structured to provide amechanical proximity communication.
 9. The automatic actuator assemblyof claim 6 wherein: said passive actuator assembly is in mechanicalcommunication with said detection assembly and is structured to receivea mechanical proximity communication; and wherein; when said mechanicalinterface assembly is in said second configuration; said mechanicalinterface assembly provides said mechanical proximity communication. 10.The automatic actuator assembly of claim 6 wherein: said mechanicalinterface assembly includes a biasing device; and said mechanicalinterface assembly is biased toward said second configuration.
 11. Anelectrical component system comprising: a housing assembly with a numberof doors; an arc reduction assembly disposed within said housingassembly, said arc reduction assembly structured to reduce thelikelihood of an electrical arc within the electrical component systemhousing assembly; said arc reduction assembly structured to be in oneof, and to move between, a disengaged, first configuration and anengaged, second configuration; an electrical component disposed withinsaid housing assembly, said electrical component structured to provide apower to external constructs; an automatic actuator assemblysubstantially disposed within said housing assembly, said automaticactuator assembly including a passive actuator assembly and a detectionassembly; said passive actuator assembly coupled to said arc reductionassembly and structured to configure said arc reduction assembly in oneof the said first configuration or said second configuration; saidpassive actuator assembly further structured to receive and react to aproximity communication, wherein, when said proximity communication isnot present, said passive actuator assembly configures said arcreduction assembly in said disengaged, first configuration, and awherein, when said proximity communication is present, said passiveactuator assembly configures said arc reduction assembly in saidengaged, second configuration; said detection assembly structured todetect at least one of the presence of a user adjacent said housingassembly or movement of the housing assembly door; and said detectionassembly further structured to provide a proximity communication to saidpassive actuator assembly.
 12. The electrical component system of claim11 wherein: said detection assembly includes an electronic sensorassembly; said sensor assembly structured to detect a user adjacent saidhousing assembly; and said sensor assembly structured to provide aproximity communication to said passive actuator assembly.
 13. Theelectrical component system of claim 12 wherein: said passive actuatorassembly is in electronic communication with said sensor assembly and isstructured to receive a proximity communication signal; and wherein saidsensor assembly is structured to provide a proximity communicationsignal upon detecting a user adjacent said housing assembly.
 14. Theelectrical component system of claim 13 wherein: said passive actuatorassembly is in electronic communication with said detection assembly andis structured to receive a proximity communication signal; said sensorassembly includes a contact sensor; said contact sensor includes amovable member that is structured to move between a first position and asecond position that corresponds to the position of the associatedhousing assembly door; and said detection assembly is structured toprovide a proximity communication signal when said contact sensormovable member is in said second position.
 15. The electrical componentsystem of claim 13 wherein said sensor assembly is one of an inductionproximity sensor, a pressure sensor, a sonic sensor, or an opticalsensor.
 16. The electrical component system of claim 11 wherein: saiddetection assembly includes a mechanical interface assembly; saidmechanical interface assembly operatively coupled to the associatedhousing assembly door; said mechanical interface assembly structured tomove between a first configuration and a second configuration, whereinsaid mechanical interface assembly is in said first configuration whensaid associated housing assembly door is in a closed, first position,and wherein said mechanical interface assembly is in said secondconfiguration when said associated housing assembly door is in an open,second position.
 17. The electrical component system of claim 16wherein: said mechanical interface assembly includes a door interfacemember and a linkage assembly; said passive actuator assembly includes amechanical interface member; said door interface member operativelycoupled to the associated housing assembly door and structured to movebetween a first position and a second position that corresponds to theposition of said associated housing assembly door; said door interfacemember operatively coupled to said linkage assembly; said linkageassembly operatively coupled to said mechanical interface member; saidmechanical interface member structured to move between a first positionand a second position corresponding to the position of said associatedhousing assembly door; and wherein said mechanical interface member isoperatively coupled to said arc reduction assembly.
 18. The electricalcomponent system of claim 17 wherein said mechanical interface assemblyis structured to provide a mechanical proximity communication.
 19. Theelectrical component system of claim 16 wherein: said passive actuatorassembly is in mechanical communication with said detection assembly andis structured to receive a mechanical proximity communication; andwherein, when said mechanical interface assembly is in said secondconfiguration, said mechanical interface assembly provides saidmechanical proximity communication.
 20. The electrical component systemof claim 16 wherein: said mechanical interface assembly includes abiasing device; and said mechanical interface assembly is biased towardsaid second configuration.